BURDITT – Donald Burditt, a.k.a. “Shorty” or “Dickie” – no matter what you called him, the truth remains that Shorty will always be remembered as the life of the party. A wonderful husband, father, grandpa, friend and storyteller went to his Heavenly home to be with his Savior and Lord Saturday, April 19, 2008, following a heroic battle with cancer.

Shorty will be remembered for his energy, humor, love for the outdoors, especially fishing and driving the tractor, and his legendary “dinkies.” He was unquestionably the greatest fudge-maker and cook (barbeque and chili) his family and friends have ever known.

Shorty was born April 17, 1933, in the Town of Cheyenne, Wyo., to the late Franklin and Mary Burditt. He attended Los Alamos grade school and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1951. Shorty served in the Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1956 after serving his country as Navy Seaman 3rd class.

On Nov. 5, 1960, he was united in marriage to Charlene F. Wheeler of Duncan, Ariz., and raised a family of five children as an electrician and New Mexico Electrical Inspector.

Shorty is survived by his wife, Charlene; sons, Eugene, Frank, and Randy and wife Wendy; daughter, Candace Stokes and husband, Robert; four grandchildren, Jeni Neeley and husband Billy, Brandon Ross, Jessi Harris and husband John, and Megan Burditt; three great-grandchildren, Buddy, Tara and Shane Neeley; and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Brooks, her husband Ernie and one grandson, Baby Richard.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services for Shorty were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd., in the chapel.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your work has given me life.” Psalm 119:50